Clara Benet Burgaud wins the Pierre Lagier Research Prize 2026

A graduate of the School of Research's Master's programme in Sociology, Clara Benet Burgaud received, on 21 January 2026, a joint first prize in the Pierre Lagier Prize for Research on Disability, awarded by Unapei and the ABILITIS endowment fund. Her thesis, entitled « L’aide invisible : positionnements et trajectoires des frères et sœurs ayant un germain avec un trouble du spectre autistique (TSA) », highlights the still largely invisible role of siblings of people with autism spectrum disorders in providing family support.

Based on an analysis of twenty-three biographical trajectories, this research shows that involvement in caregiving has lasting effects on the personal and professional lives of these carers, as well as on their relationship with public policies on disability. This thesis takes a broader look at the model of public policy for the care of vulnerable people and the place given to siblings within it. This prize, accompanied by a grant of €4,000, recognises rigorous work that is rooted in real-life experiences and useful to those working in the medical and social fields. We offer him our warmest congratulations!

Find out more:

• About the Pierre Lagier Research Prize
• About the announcement of the winners of the 2026 Pierre Lagier Research Prize
• Read Clara Benet Burgaud's thesis
• Master in sociology